Barely a week after two persons were killed and 13 vehicles burnt during a pre-election crisis that erupted in Obot-Akara local government area of Akwa-Ibom state, suspected thugs were shot dead yesterday, at Ikot-Ekpene area of the state while they attempted to hijack ballot boxes during the general election.
According to sources, the thugs came from neighboring Edo State to manipulate the election in favour of incumbent governor, Udom Emmanuel, but met their waterloo as security agents stationed there killed two at the spot, while others escaped.
It was gathered that the thugs had attempted to cart away sensitive materials before commencement of the Presidential and National as well as state houses of Assembly elections, but did not succeed following security presence.
However, fear and confusion have enveloped Ikot-Ekpene, despite the restoration of law and orderliness to the area.
According to the police, one Paul Choice Ebehiwialu was identified among the ballot box snatchers, following intelligence reports from a hotel where they lodged before storming the polling units.
The police said Paul Choice Ebehiwialu and his fleeing gang members, were among those being monitored after they entered the state on the eve of the election, apparently to cause mayhem.
The Police further disclosed that they have been “declared wanted”, adding the public should provide information that can lead to their arrest.
“Paul Choice Ebehiwialu, led other member of his gang from Edo State to come Akwa-Ibom and manipulate Elections, but our men were at alert to thwart their plans.
“With Ebehiwialu, the police will stop at nothing to get others arrested and prosecuted anywhere they’re in Nigeria. And we will get them”, ASP Elias Gbede, Police Spokesperson assures while speaking with our reporter in Uyo.
President Muhammadu Buhari has however promised to reward anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of those involved in electoral malpractices across the country, before and during the February 23rd general election.
Buhari, a Muslim his contesting for re-election, after he was first elected in 2015.
He won to unseat an incumbent in a keenly contested elections, and he is closely challenged by Abubakar Atiku, a fellow Muslim who was a former Vice President of the most populous African nation.
